Ski resort development in the Wasatch Mountains has been a controversial issue this year, with proposed projects like the Snowbird Roller Coaster and SkiLink Gondola setting off a firestorm of anti-development skiers clashing with resort owners. In recent weeks, many of these proposals to expand the reach of ski areas into the Wasatch backcountry have gained a lot of traction, and Salt Lake County has approved a revised plan for Snowbird to build their much sought-after roller coaster.
According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Snowbird will be able to “restart” the application process to get a permit for the summer coaster. Instead of coming down the lower slopes of Mount Superior and crossing Highway 210, the resort will build the coaster alongside the Peruvian Express chairlift, which is on private land. The approval came after the Salt Lake County Council voted 5-2 to change its ordinances that govern uses of the canyons and Wasatch foothills.
Of particular concern to environmental groups who are opposed to new developments in the Cottonwood Canyons, is a revision that allows the county to “grant waivers for construction on slopes exceeding 50 percent,” which could make it easier for resorts to win approval for future development.
The most controversial of those projects, the SkiLink gondola that will connect Solitude with the Canyons Resort, may end up on the fast track as a result. The federal legislation that will sell plots of public land to the Canadian company Talisker, HR 3452, has been sent in for “markup,” but with laws on the books being loosened at the county level, companies like Talisker may not have to avoid local government by seeking federal legislation anymore.
A list of other developments being considered (nine total) has been posted at StraightChuter.com, and by the looks of it, a lot of backcountry ski terrain would be lost if it was all approved. Projects on deck include:
1. SkiLink Gondola connecting Canyons Resort to Solitude.
2. Grizzly Gulch lift at Alta.
3. Flagstaff Mountain lift at Alta.
4. American Fork Twin Peaks Tram at Snowbird.
5. Silver Fork Canyon expansion at Solitude.
6. Jupiter lift connecting Brighton to Park City Mountain Resort.
7. New ski lift at Brighton expanding terrain to Peak 10,420.
8. SolBrite lift connecting Solitude to Alta in Wolverine Cirque
9. Cardiff Fork ski lift.
Whether you are for or against the SkiLink project, let your government representatives know. The Natural Resources Committee can be reached via email at https://naturalresourcesforms.house.gov/Contact/default.aspx
The democratic chairperson, Ed Markey, can be also reached at http://democrats.resourcescommittee.house.gov/
THIS IS SO SAD! TALISKIER IS NOT OUR FRIEND!!!
NO NO NO NO NO SKI LINK!!! PLEASE KEEP OUR MOUNTAINS, MOUNTAINS!
WE ARE IN AMERICA- WE ARE NOT EUROPE! KEEP IT THIS WAY!